After Care Instructions- Surgery

Avoid strenuous activities for the remainder of the day

For pain: Taking up to 800mg of ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) four times a day until the suture removal appointment will help avoid discomfort and swelling. If pain persists, you can also take up to 1000mg of acetaminophen (Tylenol) up to three times a day as needed along with the ibuprofen. Please inform us if you are experiencing severe discomfort that is not controlled with the above medications or if you have a temperature. 

Apply an ice bag on the face over the surgical site alternating on and off every fifteen minutes. Continue the applications for the remainder of the day if possible. This will minimize swelling and discoloration. Do not use ice after the first day.

During the first day, use foods that will not require vigorous chewing. DO NOT RINSE YOUR MOUTH ON THE DAY OF THE SURGERY.

There should not be much bleeding from the surgical site. If you experience significant bleeding, you can place a moistened Lipton tea bag between the incision and your cheek. Rest with you head elevated for 20 minutes with slight to moderate pressure over the area. Remove the tea bag and confirm that the bleeding has stopped. If it has not, the repeat with a new tea bag. If the bleeding persists, then contact our office or on-call doctor immediately.

You should brush your teeth in the treated area excluding the gums. Do NOT use dental floss or a water irrigation device. 

Starting the day following surgery, gently rinse the treated area with warm sale water after meals; use one-half teaspoon of salt in a large glass of warm water.

There will be some swelling and discoloration for three to five days. There is often temporary loss of felling in the surgical site. The treated tooth may feel loose for a brief time. 

Return to our office for suture removal as directed.